Gov. Robert Bentley is shown visiting Birmingham, Alabama, on April 29, 2011, to see the damage from the tornado. Jim Stefkovich with the National Weather Service shows Gov. Bentley areas he is surveying damage where the tornadoes hit. (The Birmingham News/Beverly Taylor)

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said today he was canceling plans to attend the Republican National Convention next week in Tampa, Florida, due to weather concerns.

“I will not be leaving the state while there is a danger of a hurricane approaching our coast,” Bentley said in a news release.

“I am going to stay in Alabama and will continue to make sure preparations and resources are in place. We will see our state through this storm until the danger has passed.”

Bentley urged Alabamians to keep watch on changing weather conditions as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move northwest into the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters said the storm could bring damaging winds and heavy rains to Alabama.

“Whether you’re on the coast or inland, everyone needs to be ready for what Isaac may bring,” Bentley said. “Forecasts and weather conditions can change quickly, and I urge everyone to stay close to sources of weather information and take precautions ahead of the storm.”

Alabama has a variety of resources available to help people prepare, according to Bentley's office. The Ready Alabama website, www.readyalabama.gov, includes helpful suggestions on preparing for natural disasters. Ready Alabama information is also available on Twitter by following @readyalabama. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency also has information online at www.ema.alabama.gov and on Twitter by following @AlabamaEMA.

Bentley said his office and Alabama EMA officials will continue to monitor Isaac and will issue updates as needed.